FIRST YEAR LABORATORY: PROJECT PROPOSAL - 2009
PROJECT TITLE
CODE
Simulation of predator-prey population dynamics
DEMONSTRATOR
E. Lucek
E-MAIL ADDRESS
e.lucek@imperial.ac.uk
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
47898
ROOM NUMBER
6M63 Huxley
SPAT22
RESEARCH
GROUP
Space Physics
PROJECT OUTLINE:
Aim: To investigate a predator-prey relationship using a computer model
Predator-prey relationships occur throughout nature. In this project, you will write a
simulation model of such a system, in this case between “sharks” and “fish.”
The model world will be a two dimensional grid, around which the animals move. Simple
behavioural rules govern the two populations: if a shark meets a fish, the fish is eaten. If
sharks do not eat, they die. Both populations have a breeding rate.
By varying parameters such as initial populations, mobility and breeding rates, it is
possible to investigate the dynamics and stability of predator-prey relationships. Under
what circumstances do the sharks or fish become extinct? What affects the steady state
population levels?
Mathematical models of predator-prey relationships predict that, depending on various
parameters, the populations levels are stable, vary in a periodic way or even exhibit chaotic
behaviour. Comparisons can be made between the mathematical model and the simulation
– for example can chaotic behaviour be detected in the simulation?
It is possible to expand this project in a variety of ways: the addition of a food source for
fish; finite lifetimes for both sharks and fish; or even long-range vision for the animals.
Note: The model will be written in C++. Good programming skills are essential for this
project.
This Project is available on:
Thurs/Fri
Students: Please write your name below if you are planning to bid for this project.
You must also fill out the bidding form!
Code:
PROJECT ASSESSMENT SHEET – 2009
Leave blank
Are there any safety aspects which need special attention (i.e. use of lasers, radioactive
sources)?
No.
Is this a computing project? Yes
If it is would it be done on:
[a] The PC network
[b] Computing facilities within your research group
If the answer to [a] was yes then complete the following three questions:
[i] Do you require additional software or libraries? No
[ii] Do you anticipate exceptional cpu or disk storage No
(>100Mbyte) requirements?
[iii] Have you discussed your requirements with Martin
Morris? This project has run before, and I discussed it with him then, but
no special resources are required
Which programming language are you wishing to use?
C++ or Matlab
Are you proficient in the necessary programming language Yes